Rita Keefe, age 81, of Farmington, NY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Born on July 1, 1944, Rita lived a vibrant, full life and brought immeasurable joy to everyone she met, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unbreakable community spirit.

A self-made woman, Rita spent her working years dedicated to office administration and bookkeeping. In her retirement, she could frequently be seen dishing out ice cream and smiles at Dari-Ann alongside her dear buddy, Helen. Always full of life, Rita famously ran for town clerk in the 1970s under the memorable campaign slogan, “Rally Around Rita.” True to those words, people rallied around her throughout her entire life, drawn irresistibly to her immense love and spirited personality. Among her favorite simple pleasures, Rita loved scratch-off lottery tickets and would happily choose a bundle of them over any other gift for Christmas or her birthday.

Rita is survived by her devoted brothers, Greg (Donald) and Patrick (Judy); her sister-in-law, Pamela; and her nephew, Dennis. She leaves behind her cherished circle of special friends, including Adriana, Jo, Ann, Kim, Paula, and all the Saturday breakfast girls, along with a large, loving family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Roy and Lillian, and her beloved brother, Francis.

Rita’s exceptional strength, kindness, humor, and deep faith will continue to live on vividly in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be dearly missed.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday June 18th 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church (115 Maple Ave. Victor, NY). Interment will be private.